Let Oakland’s Lake Merritt good times roll

PIcnickers along to edge of Lake Merritt, as seen on Sat. May 30, 2015, in Oakland, Calif. Regular patrols by the Oakland Police Department over the weekends has cut down on the use of barbecues .

PIcnickers along to edge of Lake Merritt, as seen on Sat. May 30, 2015, in Oakland, Calif. Regular patrols by the Oakland Police Department over the weekends has cut down on the use of barbecues .

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

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Picnickers along the shore of Lake Merritt as seen on Sat. May 30, 2015, in Oakland, Calif. Regular patrols by the Oakland Police Department over the weekends has cut down on the use of barbecues.

Picnickers along the shore of Lake Merritt as seen on Sat. May 30, 2015, in Oakland, Calif. Regular patrols by the Oakland Police Department over the weekends has cut down on the use of barbecues.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Image 3 of 3

Picnickers along the shore of Lake Merritt with Oakland Police Officers close by, as seen on Sat. May 30, 2015, in Oakland, Calif. Regular patrols by the Oakland Police Department over the weekends has cut down on the use of barbecues. less

Picnickers along the shore of Lake Merritt with Oakland Police Officers close by, as seen on Sat. May 30, 2015, in Oakland, Calif. Regular patrols by the Oakland Police Department over the weekends has cut down ... more

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Let Oakland’s Lake Merritt good times roll

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On sunny days, you can catch thousands of people walking, dancing in drum circles, biking, picnicking and enjoying themselves around Oakland’s Lake Merritt. On weekends, this is especially true near Lakeshore Avenue between El Embarcadero and East 18th Street.

In the past few weeks, however, the Oakland Police Department has moved electric traffic signs to the eastern side of Lake Merritt that warn that barbecuing or carrying open containers of alcohol would result in citations.

Some residents who live near Cleveland Heights, the neighborhood south of Interstate 580 and east of the lake, and those on Lakeshore Avenue itself, resent the large crowds and have complained to the city. Mounds of trash and loud music figure in some of the complaints, but dumping coals by the lake shore has become a particularly hot point of contention.

Other residents say the recent crackdown may be racially motivated.

“Up until the recent remodeling in 2013, (the lake) wasn’t a hangout spot,” said Leon Sykes. “We paid millions for the lake to look like it does now. There’s a history of unfairly policing public spaces where people of color are while leaving other white social spaces alone. Why did we pay that if they don’t want us there?”

For the first time in a long time, Oakland has a meeting place that’s open and attractive to everyone. You would think that the city would showcase the diversity of race, class and social activities that bring people together by the lake as a testament to its changing image. But no. The complaints of a few about trash, barbecuing and music are hindering that message of unity. Oakland needs to celebrate the growing number of people frequenting Lake Merritt instead of seeking to discourage or even punish them with bureaucratic dictates.

First, what’s really happening? Oakland City Councilman Abel Guillen, who represents the Lake Merritt district, suggests park users don’t know the rules. He said park ambassadors are not planning to issue citations for grilling until they decide how to move forward with the recommendations from the Oakland Parks and Recreation staff. Already, Guillen said, complaints have dropped since park rangers have begun educating people about the lake rules.

Last month, the city added $800,000 to the budget to maintain Lake Merritt for the next two years. “We’re already looking into adding additional trash cans,” said Guillen.“We want people to use the parks but be respectful.”

Oakland Parks and Recreation staff members have been working with a newly created task force to tour the lake and come up with recommendations, according to Dana Riley, manager of operations. “We’re looking for solutions right now,” said Riley, noting that adding permanent barbecue pits that use propane may be a viable option. Also: “What we’ve learned is some of the issues have been double-parking when people are unloading grills and coolers.”

The parks department did cite a few individuals at the lake in May for alcohol and public urination. Also of concern: Oakland Parks and Recreation requires a permit for groups of 25 people who are playing music, and multiple permits for bigger events.

What’s going to help keep Lake Merritt the spot where all are welcome? The city seems as if it’s working on the barbecue pits.

Trash? Pick up after yourselves and that solves the problem.

But I see where issues can arise with needing a permit for groups playing music. In many instances, meetings are serendipitous. What starts as a few friends meeting up quickly becomes a larger gathering as people recognize each other and decide to hang out. There’s nothing wrong with that, and it shouldn’t warrant any type of punishment. Friendly gatherings among a few people playing conga drums shouldn’t be dealt with the same way as a full-fledged concert.

The diversity at Lake Merritt is a sight to behold. Let’s keep it safe and open to everyone.